Mechanical weed seed management system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mechanical weed seed management system and device for use on a harvester. The device comprises a plate to separate straw waste from chaff waste after their discharge from the harvester; a chute to catch, direct, and deposit the straw waste to the ground; and an annular trough comprising a means for transporting material through its length, for catching, transporting, and depositing the chaff waste on top of the straw waste on the ground, wherein the trough is of a depth greater than 150 mm, and wherein the plate directs the straw waste from the harvester to the chute. The system for the management of weeds in farmable land comprises the device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is the U.S. National Phase of, and Applicants claim priority from, International Application No. PCT / AU2015 / 000703, filed 20 Nov. 2015, and Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2015902339, filed 18 Jun. 2015, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a mechanical weed seed management system and device for use therewith.BACKGROUND[0003]Annually, grain farmers are faced with weeds, for example, ryegrass and radish, within their crops. Often, weeds cause huge production losses each harvest. Presently, herbicides are used to attempt to control weeds in techniques such as crop-topping: the late application of herbicides to prevent weed seed-set in crop. Crop-topping may reduce grain contamination, but will not increase yields. Herbicide resistance is also making the use of chemicals to control weeds increasingly ineffective.[0004]A...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a device and system for managing weeds and waste in farmland. The device is a mechanical system that has three main components: a plate to separate straw and chaff waste, a chute to catch and direct the straw waste to the ground, and an annular trough to catch and deposit the chaff waste on top of the straw waste. The trough is designed to be deeper than 150 mm and has a width between 250 mm and 450 mm. The device also includes at least one guard to help guide the chaff waste into the trough. The chute is tapered inwardly downwards to direct the straw to a narrower deposit. The system also includes a monitoring system to alert users if the device is operating properly. Overall, this patent provides a solution for managing weeds and waste in farmland and improving soil health.

Problems solved by technology

Often, weeds cause huge production losses each harvest.

Crop-topping may reduce grain contamination, but will not increase yields.

Herbicide resistance is also making the use of chemicals to control weeds increasingly ineffective.

Rotation methods can decrease the amount of profitable land available to a farmer in a year and may force the farming of less profitable material on the available land.

If seeds are dropped to the earth from the harvester and an unacceptable amount of straw and other material covers the seed, the seeds are insulated somewhat from the burn and remain viable.

However, if the ryegrass levels in the crop were significant, the baled material will have an unacceptable level of annual ryegrass toxicity (ARGT) for direct straw export.

However, these accessories have been rarely used as they have been found to prevent the smooth flow of material through the harvester and cause frequent blockages.

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